ODB2 readers -- what to get?

[AndreiR]

Hello everybody!
I just got ODB2 reader from Harbor Freight -- OBD II & CAN Deluxe Scan Tool -- for $69.99 (with coupon)., but then I discovered those little Blue Tooth things that can be used with android phones. The idea looks very attractive -- having this tool always with you instead of a bulky device. I haven't even opened the HF's box, thinking that I can return it. Does anybody have one of those Blue Tooth scanners? How are they compared to "real things"?
Thank you!

 

[Rocky5000100]

They're great. You can do so much with the Torque App and a bluetooth OBD2 scanner. you can pretty much get any of the top ones on Amazon when you search for "Bluetooth OBD2"

They're all pretty much the same model, just a different label. Most come with the Torque app on a cd. You just copy the .apk file to your phone and run it.

I've got one like this:
http://www.amazon.com/iSaddle-Bluet...qid=1423874992&sr=8-3&keywords=bluetooth+obd2

They're so cheap, you can get one for all your cars.


You can setup custom gauges in the Torque app and basically display anything your OBD2 sends.

For example:

 

[Neil_R]

I also use Torque Pro (the one from the play store since it gets constant updates) with this adapter: http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423875492&sr=8-1&keywords=bafx+bluetooth+obd2

It's supposed to be the best adapter, it seems to work great.

 

[AndreiR]

Thanks Rocky5000100 and Neil_R for your suggestions! That's what I saw on Amazon too. So the HF tool is going back the store.

 

[Lunarphase]

I got one of these off eBay, it's bigger than some of the other ones I've seen, but cheap enough for a first time user.
WiFi Wireless OBD2 Auto Scanner Adapter Scan Tool for iPhone iPad iPod | eBay

and got the Dash Commander app for my iphone.
DashCommand - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc.

I'm still figuring it out, just got it a few days ago.
First one I've tried so I can't say one way or the other.

 

[Robb235]

Engine Link is another one for the iPhone. It allows for adding custom PIDs, among other things.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I have a innova 3130. And a used Mac Mentor.

 

[JBurt]

I've also been really happy with the amazon adapter and torque pro

 

[AndreiR]

Just got my BAFX Products - Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool from Amazon. It got connected without any problem, using Torque Pro. There is also some software came with it on a tiny CD, I haven't figure out how it works.
The tool works just fine (although I haven't explored all its readings and tests), but I got my P0300 code, which is a separate topic.

Thank you everybody for contributing your knowledge!

 

[gamefreakgc]

I couldn't get the software to work. But then again I think the bluetooth isn't working right on my computer since I can't connect my phone either.

The Torque app is more than enough though and very easy to use. The only thing I wish I had was transmission temperature, does the Pro version have it?

 

[jkoni426]

The only thing I wish I had was transmission temperature, does the Pro version have it?

pro does have trans temp, but it only works on '99 and up. great app, and still the only one I've ever paid for, best $5 I ever spent.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Ahh boo, never mind then. I wanted to see the before and afters with the tranny cooler.

 

[4orRunner]

I also use Torque Pro (the one from the play store since it gets constant updates) with this adapter: http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423875492&sr=8-1&keywords=bafx+bluetooth+obd2

It's supposed to be the best adapter, it seems to work great.

I just bought one of those off of Amazon myself, the great reviews and price point sold me. In fact, USPS should be delivering it to me this afternoon along with a few bottles of Redline MT-90. I'll follow up and let you know how it works on the runner!

edit - Just realized you already got yours lol. Hope the device is working well for you. At the price point I think it is worth a shot regardless.

 

[JayRolla]

Ahh boo, never mind then. I wanted to see the before and afters with the tranny cooler.

Yeah sucks for us older ecu's. Get a 99 and you will be good! LOL.

 

[Lunarphase]

I got one of these off eBay, it's bigger than some of the other ones I've seen, but cheap enough for a first time user.
WiFi Wireless OBD2 Auto Scanner Adapter Scan Tool for iPhone iPad iPod | eBay

and got the Dash Commander app for my iphone.
DashCommand - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc.

I'm still figuring it out, just got it a few days ago.
First one I've tried so I can't say one way or the other.

A bit of an update. I was leaving mine in all the time and think it was draining my battery overnight. I've been doing a lot of random shit on the 4Runner lately and think I've pinpointed it as the culprit. Since I've been taking it out when not driving, I haven't had a dead battery again.
edit: also I am unable to use Pandora because it is wifi not bluetooth with the iPhone. :frusty:

 

[jgue467]

That tiny thing drained 500+amps overnight??

I leave mine on all the time, no issues what so ever. Well except my stupid cell fone that continually wants to connect with the bt even if i don't ask it to....technology.... :cowboy:

 

[jeremyc74]

Scangauge is another option (although more expensive) if you want something that' permanently mounted in the truck. It also adds some functionality you'll find in newer vehicles like the trip computer and miles to empty calculation. I just put one in mine but I haven't done a lot of driving so far. I have used it to check and clear codes though, and it does fine for that.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

ScanTool 427201 OBDLink LX Bluetooth: OBD Adapter/Diagnostic Scanner for Android & Windows https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H9S71LW/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Gsn7ub09ZQW4E

I have that one and mine works with bluetooth. Automatically shuts off when the engine is off and is pretty handy. Automatically turns on but doesn't automatically connect which is my only complaint.

 

[Lunarphase]

That tiny thing drained 500+amps overnight??

I know :wtf:, but since I disconnect it no battery problems. Sometimes it wont get driven for a few days, but still wouldn't think it would drain a charged battery

Like I said I've been fixin' and tinkering with the Runner quite a bit in the last month, it could have been something else killing the battery. It might even just be time for a new battery, it's almost 4 yrs old now. But Hey, no battery problem now.

 

[acr_ted]

Maybe a stupid question - does one plug this thing first and then start the T4R, or can it be plugged in while the engine is running? Same for removing - shut down engine first, then remove?

Also, the the diagnostic port on the engine itself the same as the one under the steering wheel?

Ted